2025 Korea Women in Science & Technology Awards Held on December 1 [Press Release]
• A total of 22 individuals and 2 institutions honored, including winners in three “Women of the Year in S&T” categories
• Over 150 participants from academia, industry, and research attended to recognize the achievements and contributions of women in STEM
The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Bae Kyung-hoon; hereinafter MSIT) announced that it held the "2025 Korea Women in Science & Technology Awards" at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 1, at the Korea Science and Technology Center. The event aimed to widely publicize the outstanding research achievements of women in science and technology and to spread the values of diversity and inclusion within the scientific community.
This ceremony is held annually to reward female scientists and engineers who have demonstrated excellence in R&D, technological innovation, and talent development. It also honors institutions and individuals who have contributed to improving the status of women in the field.
Photo: Participants of the Korea Women in Science & Technology Awards posing for a group photo.
This year's event was attended by approximately 150 people, including officials from MSIT, WISET, women-in-STEM organizations, and representatives from industry, academia, and research sectors.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Awards were presented to the "Woman Scientist of the Year" (3 individuals), "Excellent Institutions for Recruitment and Retention Goals" (2 institutions), and "Outstanding Female Graduate Engineering Research Teams" (3 teams, 10 individuals). Additionally, the Minister’s Commendations were awarded to the "Mentor of the Year" (3 individuals), "Outstanding Officers for Women in Science and Technology" (3 individuals), and "Outstanding Career-Returning Women Scientists" (3 individuals).
The "2025 Woman Scientist of the Year" award* selected winners in three categories: Academic, Industrial, and Promotion. This year, Professor Ju-young Shin of Sungkyunkwan University was selected in the Academic category, Principal Researcher Hyun-ju Lee of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) in the Industrial category, and Professor Soo-rin Hong of CHA University in the Promotion category.
* Established in 2001, the "Woman Scientist of the Year" award is one of Korea’s most prestigious honors for women scientists and engineers who have made outstanding contributions to R&D, technological innovation, and national science and technology advancement. A total of 71 laureates have been recognized to date.
Professor Ju-young Shin, the Academic category winner, was recognized for her scholarly contribution in identifying the impact of antibiotic exposure in pregnant women and infants on the development of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Principal Researcher Hyun-ju Lee, the Industrial category winner, enhanced industrial applicability by developing a low-energy carbon dioxide absorbent contributing to carbon neutrality. Professor Hong Soo-rin, the Promotion category winner, has consistently engaged in activities linking academia, policy, and industry for the advancement of women scientists and national science technology policy.
In addition, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) was selected as the "Best" institution, and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) as the "Excellent" institution for the Recruitment and Retention Goals for Women in Science and Technology.
Soon-jung Hong, Director General of the Future Talent Policy Division at MSIT, stated, " Women in science and technology are vital contributors to national scientific and technological progress. For Korea to grow further, their participation is not just desirable, it is essential.” He added, " We will continue to advance policies and support programs that enable women in STEM to thrive and fully demonstrate their capabilities."
During the ceremony, eight individuals from academia, industry, and research were awarded Distinguished Service Awards for their contributions to fostering and advancing the ecosystem for women scientists and engineers.